Retail therapy can be an exhilarating experience whether you go for a shopping spree at one of the city’s malls including outlets at the soon to be completed Shangri-La One Galle Face, or decide to go shop-hopping for batiks, handicraft, tea, precious gems, souvenirs, accessories, shoes and branded clothing. Add a few stops at cafés and restaurants for a gastronomic fling and another stopover at an entertainment zone to make the whole experience a delightful one for the whole family. Increasingly, Colombo has gained the reputation of a shopping destination where you can easily find a range of goods from flavoured or pure tea, clothing, ethnic wear, and electronic items to curious artefacts.

When shopping in Colombo, the easiest way to find surprisingly good deals is to walk the city streets. They are rife with street vendors selling merchandise sold in malls at more affordable prices.

If you want to try a more local flavour, Pettah market offers a bewildering assortment of shops selling Ayurvedic herbs and roots, electronic items, fruits and even exotic spices such as black cumin, nutmeg and turmeric. It is a bustling town where you can find a good bargain. Even if you end up without a single purchase, Pettah can treat you to a day of unique sounds and sights filled with pulsating energy.

Whether you decide to “buy up” Colombo or opt to simply enjoy the goods on display, wandering the streets of the city looking for bargains can be a pleasant experience. Some of the more eccentric shops are filled with stone statues of Indian gods, ancient silver and pearl jewellery in odd shapes, classic China dishes and even vintage travel cases.
At the end of a full day of shopping, you could relish the rest of your day with a cup of coffee or a beer at a corner street café, watching Colombo’s life pass you by enveloped in all its beauty.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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